Gilbert Sylva Jr., 71, of Beeville, died Friday, April 5, 2013, in a Victoria hospital.

Mr. Sylva was born Nov. 5, 1941, in Beeville to Gilberto and Leonor Sylva. He attended Our Lady of Victory School and served as an altar boy while there. He graduated from A.C. Jones High School and was a retired self-employed bulldozer operator.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Rose Della Cook.

Survivors include his ex-wife, Suzanne Sylva of Beeville; two sons, Gilbert S. (Alice) Sylva III of Austin and Gerald (Sandra) Sylva of Dallas; a daughter, Sarah (Jay) Battle of Albuquerque, N.M.; a sister, Ida Jones of Beeville; a brother, Ruben Sylva of Beeville; and four grandchildren.

A rosary was recited Sunday, April 7, at 7 p.m. at the Treviño Funeral Home chapel.

The funeral Mass was celebrated Monday morning, April 8, at 10 o’clock at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. Burial followed at Beeville Memorial Park.